Monday, June 28, 2010

Once again, I have had no inspiration to write. With each passing day the end of this deployment nears and the team is beginning to focus on what they will do when they return. The discussions range from the first thing folks will eat (my favorite is Sharese White’s a hamburger and a Guinness) and where they will vacation to the simpler desires of Shannan Cook’s just wanting to use actual plates and silverware. Me? I am most looking forward to taking a nap under my Steeler Blankie (yes, I have a Steeler Blankie and I’m not afraid to admit it. I got it from Suzi Brannock and it is one of the best gifts I have ever received) with Judi in my arms and Cowher Doggie resting his chin across one of my legs. It’s probably my second favorite thing to do. Then I want to take Judi to Las Vegas. I know I’ve mentioned it before in this blog, but I can’t tell you just how much Judi and I love Las Vegas. I have been looking at the suites at the Venetian every day and checking out what shows we might want to see. Right now there couldn’t be two lamer comedians performing at the Venetian – David Spade (sorry Jordo I know you loved him as Finch in Just Shoot Me) and Wayne Brady. I hope that schedule changes. Ok, enough about home, time to refocus.

We continue to receive casualties and they continue to be mostly Afghans. Over the past few weeks it has been feast or famine. We may go two or three days without a patient (talk about looooooong days) and then we will get three or eight. Yesterday we had four – three from an IED (one gentleman died in the FST) and a young Afghan child who got her hand caught in a machine that makes bread. The young girl did not have any fractures, but she had a very complicated injury (her skin and soft tissues were severely torn) that required washout and repair in the OR. Had we not been here to treat her she would not have received the care she needed in this country. Our surgeons did an unbelievable job cleaning and closing her wound. She should go on to live a normal life. It’s a feel-good story and one that makes being here worthwhile. I almost forgot to mention that she was probably in the FST for 3 or 4 hours and I never heard her cry. She was very tough, but it comes with the territory. You kind of have to be to grow up in Afghanistan.

Speaking of the war, I’m not sure what to make of the "shake-up" at the top. I hear that some of the Rules of Engagement may change with General Petreus now running the show. Not exactly sure what that means for our team, but it may mean less casualties and that is always good.

To end on a high note, I received some good news this week when I was informed I was selected for promotion to Commander (Lieutenant Colonel for those familiar with ranks of the “other” services). The promotion, of course, comes with a bigger paycheck but it also comes with greater responsibilities. Judi and I are very excited about the opportunity. When my recruiter, HM1 William Jones (I still remember his name), came into my nursing class at IUP in 1993 and gave his spiel about all the Navy had to offer I thought it was an excellent opportunity and figured I would do my four years and come back to PA. But the longer we stayed the more we enjoyed it. I’m not sure how I was able to stay in for 15 years, but I’m certain I could not have done it without Judi. Thanks Baby! We are in for at least 5 more.

Finally, if you happen to be driving past 119 South Main Street in Carrolltown please don’t be alarmed. That isn’t a new zoo. It’s just Judi and her sister Becky showing their love for animals by taking care of eight, yes eight, stray cats in addition to the two dogs they already have.

Take Care,

John

p.s. thank god soccer is over! Only "33" Merril Hoge days until the Steelers open camp - can't wait!

Friday, June 11, 2010

John's Blog isback. Hehadtomake some minor changestopreviouspostsandcomments in order toadheretocertainoperationalsecurityandconfidentialityrules. Hewouldliketoapologizeto the followersofhis blog for the briefhiatusandishappyto be back...bitches.

EveryThursday the FSThas a "game night" aslongaswe don't havepatients. Typicallywehave a darttournament, play texashold 'em, boardgames, or play x-box. We've beendoingthissince the beginningof the deploymentanddartsis, by far, the most popular event. Manyof the team membershavebeengettingprettygoodatdarts (not me) so last week I justthrew out the idea ofmakingit more challenging by forcing everyonetoweartheir body armorwhilethrowing (neverthinkingthatanyonewould go forit). Well, everyonethoughtitwas a great idea so this week's tournamentwascalled "CombatDarts".

Wealsohave a trophythatgoesto the winnerofeachtournament. It's onetrophyanditworkssortoflike Lord Stanley's Cup in thatitispassedfromwinnertowinner. Asyoucanseefrom the pictures, Doc Z was the winnerof the lasttournamentandhecametothis week's tourneyproudlydisplaying the trophy. Although, hehadtogiveit up to the newChampion, ShaneLawson.

Z

Z PresentingTrophytoShane

DocFunkActionShot (note the commishobserving in the background)

Speakingof Lord Stanley's Cup, what a greatfinal game - ay? Toobad the Flyerscouldn't havepulleditoff. I wantedtopokefunatJeremyRoenickforsobbing post-game, but I've bawledheremuchworsethanthat, so hegets a passfrom me.

I alsowantedtomention a verytouchingactfromoneofourcorpsmen, DocFunk. I mentioned in a previous blog howlittle the Afghanshaveandhowguilty I feelabouthavingtocutofftheirclothes. Well, apparentlyDocFunkfelt the sameway so hepetitioned a t-shirt company, "80's Tees" to donate shirtsfor the Afghanswhohavetheirscutoff. The shirtsarrivedyesterday in the middleof a shortlullbetween the 8 trauma patientswereceivedandoneofthemwasthisawesomeSteelers t-shirt. Wewerehaving a rough day so assoonas I saw the shirt, andhowsmallitwas, I knew I hadtotryit on; 1)Becauseitwas a Steelers shirt and 2) Because I thoughtitwouldbring a smiletoourteamsfaces. Here are a coupleofpics.

When I wake up tomorrow I willonlyhave 89 daysuntil I seemybeautifulwifeandloveabledogagain. Judi, I amtooexcitedtosleep! And I love you more than you can imagine.

Take Care,

John

p.s. please pray for my brother Scott. He's a Captain in the US Army who has served his country honorably for the past 18 years and is going through a very rough time in his life right now.

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About Me

I was born and raised in a small community in Western Pennsylvania. I graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and joined to the Navy to assist with paying off school loans. I thought I would complete my four-year commitment and return to PA, but things didn't work out that way. The Navy (and the Pittsburgh Steelers) has been my life for the past 15 years, including this first-time deployment to Afghanistan with a Forward Surgical Team. I absolutely adore my wife Judi who has made me a better person and has been a loving mother to our intellectual dog - Cowher.

Disclaimer

Please understand that the views, commentary and images on this blog in no way represent the views of the NATO Medical Mission - Afghanistan, the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army or Marine Corps, the Department of Defense or the United States Goverment.

These are my views, commentary and images - except where otherwise stated.